Happy Easter Mee-ster!

The Desert Doers have had a wonderful Easter weekend doing traditional Easter things. Whatever your beliefs, we hope your weekend was spent doing things you love with those you love.

Coloring Easter eggs...



Inventory of the bunny's loot...



Before Easter services with a friend. And yes, I'll dress them in matching dresses for Easter as long as they'll let me.

A bunny, some sparkle and lots of spunk

Spring is definitely a busy time of year for these Desert Doers. Looking at our calendar we seem to have stuff going on over the weekends well into May. It probably has a lot to do with the fantastic weather we have in the spring and everyone planning things before going into hibernation for the summer.

This past weekend was no exception. The weekend started out with the annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt...including a visit from "the" bunny himself. Prior to the event, Meg had convinced herself she'd say hi to the bunny...but once she actually got there she settled for a wave from a safe distance instead.



That afternoon Em and I painted pottery with the Brownie troop while Steve and Meg visited GrampAl and went shopping for a birthday present for a party on Sunday which turned out to be the highlight of the weekend.

The daughter of Steve's friend of 20+ years was turning 4. Her parents planned quite the party involving a pink limo ride, hair dos, sparkle and a runway show. The girls had a great time and Em even made some new puppy friends, Luke and Leah.

A break for spring

There was a time in my life that spring break meant finding a sunny, cheap place that served drinks to adults under 21. Now it means finding a cheap place that serves a kid's menu and has plenty of entertainment for children under 10.

And with that we're headed to our home town, San Jose, for spring break. We'll be staying with Steve's mom, visiting with old friends and keeping the kids busy.

Tune back in after the 22nd for pictures and anecdotes.

What my children think of me...

This has been going around on Facebook the last couple days but I thought the answers were funny enough to share here. It is a series of questions I asked Emily (8) and Megan (4) about me. This just proves to me that being 4 is awesome.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Emily: Don’t harass your sister.
Megan: I love you.

2. What makes mom happy?
Emily: When I’m good.
Megan: Smiles

3. What makes mom sad?
Emily: When I go in time out.
Megan: If I don’t give you a hug.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Emily: Tickles me.
Megan: Funny faces

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Emily: She looked like herself.
Megan: A baby

6. How old is your mom?
Emily: 40
Megan: 8 (I wish)

7. How tall is your mom?
Emily: 6 feet
Megan: This big

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Emily: Hang out with our family.
Megan: Play games

9. What does your mom do when you're not here?
Emily: Works
Megan: Clean

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Emily: Cooking
Megan: Being a star

11. What is your mom good at?
Emily: Dancing
Megan: Playing games

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Emily: Singing
Megan: Not playing games

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Emily: Mercer
Megan: Pick me up.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Emily: Fudge-cicles (Dessert)
Megan: Salad and meatballs

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Emily: That she’s awesome.
Megan: Presents

16. If your mom were a TV character, who would she be?
Emily: A TV mom
Megan: A carrot (carrot...character...I get it)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Emily: Cuddle
Megan: Play another game.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Emily: We’re both funny.
Megan: Food (perhaps our love of it??)

19. How are you and your mom different?
Emily: We look different.
Megan: We're the same

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Emily: You give me kisses and hugs.
Megan: I kiss you on the lips

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Emily: How he sings and dances.
Megan: Hugging him

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Emily: Sephora
Megan: The store.

Scheduling Conflict

Emily lost a tooth yesterday but the Tooth Fairy didn't make it by last night. Emily thinks it was because it was late in the afternoon when she lost the tooth and so she didn't have time to fit Em into her already booked schedule. And also because it was Sunday...apparently the Tooth Fairy also likes to keep limited hours on the Sabbath. It's a good thing too because she would have had to come back tonight anyhow. Turns out Emily pulled the other loose tooth out, with one swift tug, during a spelling test today. (She's gotten a lot more brave than a year ago).

This isn't the first time the Tooth Fairy has been late. Fortunately, Emily is pretty understanding. That is probably because she knows how understanding the Fairy is as well. Em's first two lost teeth ended up just that...lost. The first was swallowed and this mom was not going looking for it. The second was lost somewhere at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Em insisted on bringing it so she could show Grandma and PopPop when we picked them up...against someone else's (ah-hem) advisement. In both cases she put a letter of apology under her pillow in lieu of the lost tooth and she was generously reimbursed anyhow. When the Tooth Fairy has been late, like tonight, she's usually a little extra generous. So with two teeth and one a day late, Em is likely getting a wind fall.

Here is Emily's latest adorable smile.

Eight

Our sweet Emily Susanne is eight today. As much as I hate to sound cliche I can't help but ask, where does the time go? As fast as these eight years have gone, I can't help but think how quickly so many other milestones will be here. In just a couple years she will be a pre-teen. In another quick eight years she'll be old enough for a drivers license. Two years after that we'll be getting ready for high school graduation and sending her off to college. I really can't bring myself to think that far ahead.

Emily gives us so much to be proud of. To us she is, of course, so beautiful and smart. But I'm especially amazed by how astute she is. She has always been very inquisitive. It's definitely paying off for her because she obviously stores away all the answers in that big brain to be referenced again at a later date. She is showing signs of a quick wit. This certainly makes her a terrific companion in my book. Combining all that perception with her sensitivity has also made her very compassionate. And it is this character trait that I am most proud. This past Fall the students in her class were able to send notes of thankfulness to their friends. Emily received one that read, "I am so thankful for Emily because you always include me in every game." I was so touched by that statement because it really captures Emily's personality so well. Her heart is huge for friends, family and even strangers.

Tonight we'll celebrate her eight years with friends and family. But I especially look forward to celebrating all that is ahead of her as she blossoms into what I suspect will be nothing less than amazing. And we will cherish every moment along the way.

Happy birthday sweet Emily Sue.

Carnivores Welcome

After tonight's dinner of yummy meatloaf, Megan declares, "I like all meat all day." This immediately made our long list of family catchphrases. Perhaps it can also replace the National Cattlemen's Beef Association motto...you know the one, "Beef. It's what's for dinner.".